The Los Angeles Lakers are once again making strategic moves to bolster their roster, and the latest addition is raising eyebrows in all the right ways. On the surface, it may look like just another depth signing, but a closer look reveals a calculated maneuver that could quietly pay off in a major way. The Lakers have signed 7-foot center Christian Koloko to a two-way contract, a deal that offers both flexibility and upside. For a team that has struggled to maintain frontcourt consistency over the past few seasons—especially when injuries or fatigue take a toll—Koloko represents a promising insurance policy and perhaps more.
At just 24 years old, Koloko has already turned heads with his size, length, and mobility. Originally drafted by the Toronto Raptors with the 33rd pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Cameroon-born big man spent his rookie season showing flashes of defensive brilliance. Though his offensive game is still raw, his instincts, rim protection, and ability to switch defensively make him an intriguing fit for the Lakers’ current roster construction. After missing the entire 2023–24 season due to a serious health concern—reportedly a respiratory issue—the Raptors waived him this offseason. That move gave other teams an opportunity, and the Lakers have pounced, betting on both his recovery and his potential.
Two-way contracts are typically reserved for developmental projects or players who can fill niche roles when the primary roster faces attrition. For a championship-contending team like the Lakers, however, a two-way deal can be a low-risk, high-reward strategy. With Christian Koloko, the Lakers are not only adding depth at the center position but also hedging against the uncertainty surrounding their current frontcourt rotation. The center position for the Lakers has often been a revolving door in recent years, with players like Anthony Davis shifting between the four and five, and the team rotating in various veteran options like Dwight Howard, JaVale McGee, Andre Drummond, and most recently, Jaxson Hayes.
Koloko’s shot-blocking prowess immediately makes him a viable option in certain matchups. He averaged 1.3 blocks per game in just 19.7 minutes during his rookie season. If extrapolated to starter’s minutes, those numbers suggest elite rim protection capabilities. He’s also a capable rebounder and finishes efficiently around the rim—something the Lakers can always use when Davis is off the floor or playing more on the perimeter. And while his offensive game remains under construction, his willingness to run the floor, set solid screens, and stay within his role aligns well with what head coach JJ Redick will likely ask of him in limited minutes.
This signing also adds more intrigue to the Lakers’ already-crowded frontcourt. With Anthony Davis cemented as the anchor of the team’s interior defense and the team recently acquiring veteran big men like Al Horford and Maxi Kleber, Koloko enters an environment where competition will be fierce. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The Lakers are betting that iron sharpens iron, and Koloko—by training with elite veterans and learning from Davis—could become a valuable contributor by the midpoint of the season. A two-way contract means he’ll split time between the Lakers and their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, allowing him to get consistent playing time, develop his offensive game, and stay in game shape.
There’s also the international angle to consider. Koloko, a native of Cameroon, joins a growing list of African-born players who are making their mark on the league. From Joel Embiid to Pascal Siakam and Serge Ibaka, African big men have had a notable presence in the NBA over the past decade. Koloko was mentored by Siakam during his early time in Toronto, and the influence showed in his work ethic and defensive instincts. His signing with a marquee franchise like the Lakers now gives him a higher-profile platform to showcase his growth and possibly redefine his career trajectory.
The timing of this move is also telling. With the Lakers still navigating a tricky offseason and searching for the right pieces to support LeBron James and Anthony Davis, every signing—no matter how minor it appears—takes on heightened importance. LeBron isn’t getting any younger, and Davis, though dominant when healthy, has had his share of injuries. The Lakers’ strategy appears to be one of fortification—adding solid, versatile, and affordable pieces around their core stars. Whether it’s Marcus Smart coming in to toughen the backcourt, Al Horford bringing veteran leadership and floor-spacing, or now Koloko providing insurance at the center position, the Lakers are building layers.
The front office clearly understands the importance of depth, especially after last season’s rollercoaster. Injuries and inconsistencies plagued the team throughout the 2023–24 campaign, forcing the coaching staff to shuffle rotations and depend heavily on LeBron and AD. A young, defensive-minded center like Koloko can’t solve all those problems on his own, but he provides another tool in the toolbox—especially in the grind of an 82-game season when foul trouble, minor injuries, and matchup-specific tactics come into play.
And let’s not forget the financial angle. Two-way contracts do not count against the team’s salary cap in the same way that standard NBA contracts do, giving the Lakers breathing room. This is especially important given the team’s luxury tax constraints and their need to preserve flexibility for mid-season trades or buyout market opportunities. In a cap-constrained world, maximizing every roster spot—whether it’s the 15th man or a two-way player—can have ripple effects on a team’s success. Koloko may not play significant minutes initially, but if he can develop into a trusted contributor by season’s end, this signing could look like a masterstroke in hindsight.
For Christian Koloko, this is a second chance—one that many players don’t get. After an unfortunate medical setback derailed his early momentum, he now has a clean slate in a new environment that thrives on competition, accountability, and championship aspirations. If he stays healthy and buys into the Lakers’ development program, he could not only resurrect his NBA career but also become a hidden gem for a team that’s always looking for the next edge.
The Lakers have made bold moves this offseason, and Koloko’s signing fits within that overarching strategy. It’s about blending experience with youth, defense with offensive spacing, and star power with role-player grit. With Koloko in the fold, the Lakers have quietly shored up a potential weakness, added youth to a veteran-heavy core, and given themselves yet another option for a deep playoff run. He might not be the marquee name fans scream about in July, but come April or May, don’t be surprised if Christian Koloko is playing meaningful minutes in purple and gold.
And for Lakers fans, this move serves as a reminder of the front office’s awareness and forward-thinking mentality. Whether it’s a last-minute signing, a shrewd trade, or a G League development project, the message is clear: the Lakers aren’t leaving anything to chance. Christian Koloko now has the opportunity of a lifetime, and if the stars align, he just might become an unexpected X-factor for the storied franchise. In a league where margins matter and every possession counts, this under-the-radar addition could loom large down the line.
